November Gales on Lake Superior’s North Shore

As the North Shore’s vibrant leaves slowly fall to the Earth, Minnesotans begin to prepare for the fast approaching winter season. Before autumn fades and winter arrives, a lesser-known season bridges the gap for tourists and residents alike: the gales of November! Superior Shores Resort rests on the beautiful yet powerful banks of Lake Superior in Two Harbors, MN. We’re conveniently located near some of the best beaches for wave watching and surfing, including our resort’s vast shoreline! Tourists from across the region, Canada included, flock to Minnesota’s North Shore to witness, respect, and photograph these massive waves created by powerful November gales!

SS Edmund Fitzgerald

Lake Superior became infamous in November of 1975 for the sinking of the mighty SS Edmund Fitzgerald near Whitefish Bay. The ship departed from nearby Superior, Wisconsin, on its journey to Detroit, but never arrived because of the near hurricane-like winds and 35-foot waves. These powerful gusts of wind became known as November gales (or “witches”). Visit Split Rock Lighthouse on November 10 for the annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting. This seven-hour event is the only time of the year to see Split Rock lit up after dark!

North Shore’s November Gales

Some of the North Shore’s tallest waves can be discovered near Ellingson Island inside Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. We’ve personally witnessed waves crash above the 50-foot-tall bluffs on the southern shores of the state park! Walk along Pebble Beach until you’ve nearly reach Ellingson Island and face the southward Corundum Point. The conditions, of course, must be ideal to witness massive waves. Gooseberry Falls State Park also has surging November gales at Agate Beach if you climb to the overlook near the 85-year-old stone posts and chain links at the water’s edge. The Canal Park boardwalk, home to the mysterious ice house, is a convenient and beautiful stop at Duluth’s most popular attraction. Parking is free during the “off-season,” and the rocky Canal Park beach is a prime place for powerful November gales!

Stoney Point Surfing

You wouldn’t expect one of the top things to do on the North Shore in November would be surfing at Stoney Point. We certainly aren’t trying to persuade our guests to splash around in frigid Lake Superior, but many brave surfers use the November gales as an opportunity to catch massive waves! You’re better off arriving at Stoney Point with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and camera. There’s no guarantee you’ll see any courageous souls on the water, but Stoney Point is still a perfect place to witness the might of a November gale!

Gales of November Package

Superior Shores Resort has a two-night “Gales of November” package for those interested in visiting Two Harbors, MN, during November! This package includes a two-night stay in a Jacuzzi room or one-bedroom suite. You’ll also receive $100 Superior Shores “bucks” that are good toward food and beverages at Kamloops Restaurant & Lounge and souvenirs from the onsite gift shops! Dial 1-800-242-1988 to speak with a friendly member of our team, or book the Gales of November package here!